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Bill

S 9143

Establishes the empire state sports and entertainment fund

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Chan and 2 co-sponsors

The bill creates a state fund to attract large nonresidency sports and entertainment events to New York, with targeted funding and upstate economic benefits.

REFERRED TO COMMERCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND SMALL BUSINESS
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Bill Summary · S 9143

Overview

Senate Bill S.9143 (2025-2026 Session, New York) proposes the creation of the Empire State Sports and Entertainment Fund within the Economic Development Law. The fund would provide targeted financial incentives to attract qualifying sports and entertainment events to New York, with an emphasis on economic development in upstate areas. The program aims to make New York venues more competitive for events that are not part of a fixed, recurring residency in the state and that could reasonably be held elsewhere.

Purpose and Intent

  • Establish a dedicated fund to compete with other states for siting of selective sports and entertainment events.
  • Focus on events not currently designated for New York and not part of a regular schedule at a single venue.
  • Drive economic development benefits for host communities, particularly upstate regions.

Key Provisions

  • Article Creation: Adds a new Article 29 to the Economic Development Law, establishing the Empire State Sports and Entertainment Fund.
  • Definitions:
    • Qualifying sports or entertainment event: not part of a fixed NY residency, live audience ≥ 5,000, and capable of being held in other states; not contractually obligated to occur in NY.
    • Certificate of Eligibility: issued by the Department of Economic Development (the "department") after an application is accepted into the program.
    • Certificate of Funding: specifies the exact funding amount and the taxable year for award, once eligibility criteria are met.
    • Participant: a business entity meeting application requirements, obtaining eligibility and designation by the commissioner.
  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • Must host a qualifying event in New York.
    • Must comply with all worker protection laws and avoid past-due state taxes.
  • Application and Approval Process:
    • Entities must apply at least 90 days before the proposed event.
    • Applications must demonstrate: event qualifying criteria, projected economic benefit to the host location, and substantial compliance with applicable laws (tax and worker protections).
    • The department may admit the applicant into the fund and issue a Certificate of Eligibility.
    • To become a participant, entities must provide evidence of eligibility and, once reviewed, receive a Certificate of Funding for one tax year.
  • Powers and Duties of the Commissioner:
    • Adopt regulations establishing the application process and eligibility standards.
    • Define criteria for excluding events from the qualifying list, with rights of appeal for excluded parties.
    • The commissioner solely determines eligibility and can remove participants failing to meet requirements.
  • Maintenance of Records:
    • Participants must retain relevant records for the duration of participation plus three years.
  • Effective Date: The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Sports and entertainment promoters, event organizers, and venue operators seeking state endorsement and funding.
  • Businesses seeking to host large live events (minimum 5,000 attendees) in New York.
  • State agencies and departments involved in oversight, compliance, and recordkeeping.
  • Upstate communities and economies targeted for potential economic impact from hosting events.

Timelines and Procedures

  • Applications must be submitted at least 90 days before a proposed event.
  • Eligibility and funding are awarded on a per-tax-year basis, with a formal process from application to Certificate of Eligibility and then Certificate of Funding.
  • Recordkeeping requirements extend for three years beyond participation.

Potential Impact

  • creates a formal mechanism to subsidize certain externalizable events, potentially increasing New York’s visibility as a host state.
  • Could incentivize upstate economic activity through event-related spending (hotels, hospitality, transportation, local vendors).
  • Establishes regulatory oversight and accountability standards through the commissioner’s rules and annual funding determinations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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